Study to target river pollution

MIAMI COUNTY — A 15-community partnership is seeking to better understand water pollution in the Great Miami River. The study will focus on nutrients — mainly phosphorus — which in excess can cause harmful algae blooms and kill fish and other aquatic life.

The communities are investing in the study to better understand how nutrients are moving through the river system. The study will review existing data, collect additional data, and consider all sources of nutrients. The study will help create an approach that looks at all contributors of nutrients. Nutrients can come from rural and urban sources, including wastewater treatment plant and agricultural discharges.

“This study will help the communities create a plan to move forward and reduce nutrients in a cost-effective and science-based manner,” said Sarah Hippensteel Hall, MCD manager for watershed partnerships. MCD is managing the project for the communities.

The partnership includes the cities of Dayton, Englewood, Fairfield, Franklin, Hamilton, Miamisburg, Middletown, Springboro, Troy, Union, and West Carrollton; Tri-Cities Wastewater Authority on behalf of the cities of Huber Heights, Vandalia, and Tipp City; and Montgomery County.

The deadline to submit a proposal is Nov. 30. Go to mcdwater.org to apply.